Giant miscanthus (Miscantus × Giganteus Greef Et Deu.) – A Promising Plant for Soil Remediation: A Mini Review

Abstract

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu.) is a perennial rhizomatous grass with C4 type photosynthesis, which is distinctive by its resistance to cold temperatures when maintaining a suffi cient photosynthesis rate. We revised potential of Miscanhus for use in soil bioremediation, especially from biological point of view. Translocation rate from roots to aerial part is low in general, but Miscanthus is able to grow even on highly contaminated soils without artifi cial fertilization. We also discussed the role of root exudates in pollutant immobilization, chelation and uptake. Commetabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with assistance of soil microbes shows promising results and signifi cant reduction of tetracyclic PAHs in soil. Miscanthus is therefore suitable for immobilization of inorganic pollutants in soil and removal of organic pollutants, which makes it suitable to create buff er zones for surface waterway protection, stabilization of heavily contaminated substrates (e.g. reclaimed burrows of mining industry and sedimentation pools). According to low content of pollutants in aerial biomass the harvested plant material is deemed safe for further agricultural or industrial use.

Mechanical, thermal, hygroscopic and acoustic properties of bio-aggregates – lime and alkali - activated insulating composite materials: A review of current status and prospects for miscanthus as an innovative resource in the South West of England

“…The exploitation of numerous metalliferous mining sites in this region has led to heavy metals contaminations namely in water (Thallium) [151] and soils (Arsenic) [152]. On the other hand, several studies have pointed out the potential of Miscanthus for phytoremediation of heavy metals contaminated lands [153,154] and former mining sites [155]. These sites could be potentially reclaimed for the development of Miscanthus in the Devon and Cornwall.…”

The fate of nutrients and heavy metals in energy crop plantations amended with organic by-products

“…Energy crops provide a fast growing supply of renewable energy which can replace fossil fuels and mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases (Finnan et al, 2012;Murphy et al, 2014). However, energy crop plantations can also offer other services to society such as the treatment of organic wastes and wastewaters (Dimitriou et al, 2006;Rosenqvist et al, 1997;Figala et al, 2015).…”

“…and Renvoize) is a perennial Southeast Asian C4-grass which is established by planting rhizomes from existing plants (Jones and Walsh, 2001). The crop can be used for bioremediation (Figala et al, 2015) and can produce yields of up to 12 t ha -1 in Irish conditions; the crop's useful lifetime is approximately 20 years (Caslin et al, 2015a). Both Miscanthus and SRCW are leading candidates for commercial energy in Ireland and elsewhere (Caslin 2015a;2015b;Rosenqvist et al, 1997;Clifton-Brown et al, 2007).…”

“…Energy crops are usually resilient and can often remove heavy metals (HMs) and other toxins from soil with minimal effects on themselves (Britt and Garstang 2002;Figala et al, 2015). Tsadilas (2005) claims that OB amendment aids crop nutrition and improves soil quality via increased organic matter content, water retention, improved soil structure and better infiltration.…”

“…The presence of these constituents in DE and BS raises concerns regarding impacts from OB application (Haynes, 2009;Merrington 2002). However, build-up of HMs in soil after OB application may be mitigated by the bioremediation capacity of energy crops which have been reported to have good ability to absorb HMs from soil Figala et al, 2015).…”